Job Description

The Petersen Lab at UCSF and Gladstone Institutes is seeking a skilled Staff Research Associate (SRA) to join our group. We are studying the underlying mechanisms of neurological disease with a goal of developing new treatments to aid repair in the diseased or injured brain. The candidate will be a critical member of our team who will assist projects focused on animal and cell models of neurological disease. This position involves:

• Managing animal colonies including breeding, genotyping, and complex crosses to obtain cell-specific knock out mice and fluorescent reporter mice
• Isolating and culturing cells to study neurological disease processes
• Preparing brain and spinal cord samples for histology including animal perfusion, tissue dissection, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and image analysis using ImageJ
• Isolating RNA and protein from biological samples for real-time PCR and Western blot

• Preparation of data and methodology for reports and publications with the possibility for co-authorship when appropriate.

  The ideal candidate would be someone who is passionate about working with cutting edge technologies to study neurological disease models. Technical accuracy, reliability, and a willingness to learn are of the utmost importance.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed , what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job. The functions should add up to 100%.

%

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

50

Yes

Manage animal colonies including breeding, genotyping, and complex crosses to obtain cell-specific knock out mice and fluorescent reporter mice.

15

Yes

Isolate and culture cells to study neurological disease processes

10

Yes

Prepare brain and spinal cord samples for histology including animal perfusion, tissue dissection, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy.

10

Yes

Quantify microscopy imaging data using ImageJ. Perform calculations, compile and summarize data, keep meticulous records of every experiment.

10

Yes

Isolate RNA and protein from biological samples for real-time PCR and Western blot.

5

Yes

Maintain stocks, reagents, laboratory equipment, perform other duties as assigned.

0

0

0

0

0

100%

(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)

Required Qualifications:

• One year of recent, directly related work experience following degree completion, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• BA/BS in a biology or chemistry-related science
• Knowledge of scientific equipment (centrifuge, pipettes, ultra-low freezers)
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks routinely (genotyping, histology protocols, etc)
• Passion to learn new techniques and flexibility to adapt to changing needs
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Excellent teamwork skills and the ability to communicate effectively and collaboratively with students, postdoctoral fellows, staff, and faculty
• Meticulous record keeping abilities
• Strong computer skills including the use of Microsoft Word and Excel

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with animal procedures and histology
• Experience with microscopy and image analysis
• Experience with cell culture
• Actively seeks opportunities to increase skills and expertise